CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
NEWARK, New Jersey—In preparation for the Filipino American community’s Santacruzan festival, the Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) held the Santacruzan Presentation Ball was held on May 10 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel here.
CAM proudly presented this year’s Reynas: Reyna Elena – Kirstie Baquiran, Reyna de las Flores — Katrina Macalintal and Reyna del Cielo – Lauren Mercado.
Also presented were this year’s Hermanos y Hermanas Mayores : Marina Baisas (in memoriam), Maritess Enriquez, Maris Fandino, Ramona Gapasin, Rolando Lavarro, Rolando Macuja, Rebecca C. Rivera, MD, Linda Rupel, Nida and Oscar Valerio.
Among the highlights of the evening of dining and dancing was the Proclamation from City of Jersey City Mayor, Steven Fulop presented by Mayor’s Aide Doug Carlucci, officially declaring Sunday, May 25, 2014 the “Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo Day” in Jersey City.
The 36th Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo and Street Fair 2014 is on Sunday, May 25 Santacruzan day proper. CAM in cooperation with PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League 501(c) 3) will be celebrating the “Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo Street Fair 2014” now on its 8th year.
It will be an all day event complete with flea market type vendors, food concessions, booths for non-profit organizations, businesses and sponsors and all day games and activities for the children. This year the Street Fair will now be located on Manila Ave. between First St. & Fourth St., Jersey City, NJ (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)expanding to three city blocks.
The highlight of the day is the religious procession and the traditional celebration of the Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo with the Hermanos & Hermanas Mayores, the Reynas and Sagalas. The relic of the True Cross will also be brought during the procession. There will be a mass at St. Mary’s Church, Second St. corner of Erie St., Jersey City at 2:30 pm and the procession follows immediately after the mass.
On stage performances (11a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-8 p.m.) will feature celebrity performances, local youth talents, live bands, vocalists and cultural and modern dance troupes. This yearly event is among the largest assemblies of Filipinos of all ages in the Northeast. More than 5,000 people attended last year.
TFC (The Filipino Channel – ABS-CBN) is the major media sponsor and Jollibee, the Silver Sponsor. This event would not be possible without the generous support of the community. A “SANTACRUZAN WARM UP DANCE” (Young Professional Mixer & Dance Party Fundraiser to Benefit the 36th Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo Street Fair 2014) will be held on Friday, May 23 at VB3 RESTAURANT & BAR located at 475 Washington Blvd.,Jersey City, corner of 6th st. Music by DJ Nano / Doors open 10 p.m. /$10 donation at door / 21 and over / proper ID required /valet parking.
For more information contact: Sagalas & Escorts Chato Cruz – 917 554-1996 email: chatoaprecio@gmail.com Angels, Flower Girls & Escorts Misty Tolentino – 201 792-5371 email: mystica96@verizon.net Souvenir Journal Eloisa Porto – 551-998-8528 email: eaporto@comcast.net Street Fair / Vendors / Exhibitors / Sponsors Joey Mayo – 917 -656-9443 email :santacruzanstreetfair@gmail.com Linda Mayo – 201 388-1260 email: lindamayo412@gmail.com General Services Chuchi Calingasan – 201 993-8352 email: mystica96@verizon.net Connie Kasilag – 201 420-0387 email: cons828@outlook.com
Meanwhile, the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles attended the 10th Archdiocesan Filipino Marian Celebration of “Santacruzan” held on May 11 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. Rev. Alex Aclan of Los Angeles led the Eucharistic celebration with the auxiliary bishops and clerics of Los Angeles.
This year’s event was held under the auspices of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The Philippine Consulate General joined the different parish ministries, Catholic associations, civic and non-governmental organizations and Filipino-American children as angels in the Procession that heralded the Eucharistic celebration.
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